THEMOVIES

The Iranian regime imprisons him, bans him from working and traveling, and suppresses his films—yet Panahi remains unstoppable. During his most recent imprisonment, from July 2022 to February 2023, he spoke extensively with fellow inmates. Those conversations, directly and indirectly, became the starting point of this film. The protagonists are all former political prisoners who have endured prolonged physical and psychological torture. Some time after their release, a chance encounter presents an unexpected opportunity for revenge against a particularly sadistic officer of the secret intelligence service. Doubt soon sets in. Is the captured man truly their tormentor—and how can that be proven beyond any doubt? And more importantly: does retribution bring justice, or does it risk reducing them to the level of their oppressor? These questions drive a story that branches out with increasing complexity. Panahi weaves his critique into a philosophical narrative that blends the tension of a revenge thriller with the urgency of political drama, punctuated by moments of dark, almost slapstick humor. The result is a powerful film about resistance, revenge, empathy, and moral integrity.